KR20160122905A - Touch panel and display device having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The touch panel comprises: a base substrate having flexibility and including a foldable region foldable along a folding line; a touch detecting unit provided onto the base substrate and configured to detect a touch event of a user; and a connection unit provided onto the base substrate and configured to connect the touch detecting unit to a driving circuit. The connection unit comprises a line which is bent at least once in a direction not parallel with an upper surface of the base substrate in the foldable region. Therefore, the touch panel has improved durability.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel, and more particularly, to a foldable touch panel and a display device including the same.

Generally, a touch panel is a panel provided on the upper side of a display device so as to be directly contacted with a hand and an object so that the instruction content displayed on the screen of the display device can be selected as a human hand or an object. The display device including the touch panel grasps the position touched through the touch panel, receives the content instructed at the touched position as an input signal, and is driven in accordance with the input signal.

A display device having a touch panel has been increasingly used because it does not require a separate input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that is connected to and operated by a display device.

In recent years, a touch panel is also used for a display device. In this case, the touch panel is provided on the upper side of a display panel for displaying an image, and receives a predetermined input from a user to detect position information.

The present invention provides a touch panel having improved durability and a display device including the touch panel.

A touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base substrate having a flexible and foldable region along a fold line, a touch sensing unit provided on the base substrate and sensing a touch event of a user, And a connection unit provided on the base substrate and connecting the touch sensing unit to a driving circuit. And the connection portion includes a wiring that is bent at least once in a direction not parallel to the upper surface of the base substrate in the foldable region.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating film provided on the base substrate is further included. The connection portion may include a first wiring provided between the base substrate and the insulating film and a second wiring provided on the insulating film, the insulating film having contact holes exposing a part of the first wiring, 2 wiring may be connected to the first wiring through the contact holes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensing unit may include a plurality of first sensing lines extending in a first direction, to which a sensing voltage is applied, and a plurality of first sensing lines, And a plurality of second sensing lines extending in a second direction, the voltages of which are changed by the electrostatic coupling.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first sensing lines includes a plurality of first blocks arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of first bridges connecting the first blocks adjacent to each other, The sensing line may include a plurality of second blocks arranged in the second direction, and a plurality of second bridges connecting the second blocks adjacent to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first wiring includes a lower wiring and an upper wiring sequentially provided on the base substrate, the lower wiring includes a transparent conductive material, and the upper wiring includes a metal .

In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower wiring may be formed of silver nanowires, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), AZO (Antimony Zinc Oxide), ITZO (Indium Tin Zinc Oxide) ), And at least one of SnO2 (Tin Oxide), Carbon Nano Tube, and graphene, or a laminate of two or more of these materials, At least one of Ag, Al, Mo, Cr, Ti, Ni, Ne, Cu, Or a laminate of two or more of these materials.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper wiring may be partially removed corresponding to a region where the second wiring is provided, and the second wiring may overlap with the first wiring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first block, the first bridge, the second block, and the lower wiring may be made of the same material, for example, a transparent conductive material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper electrode, the second bridge, and the second wiring may be made of the same or different metals.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first block and the second block may have a metal mesh pattern, and the insulating film may have protrusions protruding in a direction parallel to the fold lines on the upper surface thereof, Lt; / RTI >

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the touch panel may be provided together with the display panel to configure a display device.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device including a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I 'of FIG.
2B is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1 when folded.
3 is a plan view of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A is an enlarged plan view of the portion P1 in Fig.
4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II 'and III-III' of FIG. 4A.
5A is an enlarged plan view of the portion P2 of FIG.
5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV 'of FIG. 5A.
6A and 6B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the foldable area when the touch panel is folded.
7A, 7B, and 7C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG. 5B.
8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wiring portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9A, 9B, and 9C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wiring portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11A, 11B, and 11C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG.
12A is a plan view illustrating a touch sensing unit corresponding to the portion P1 in FIG. 3, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II 'and line III-III' in FIG. 12A.
13 is a plan view showing protrusions of a first insulating film in a region corresponding to P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a plan view showing protrusions of a first insulating film in a region corresponding to P1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15A is a plan view of the touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the portion P2 shown in FIG. 3 is enlarged, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV 'in FIG. 15A.

The present invention is capable of various modifications and various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Like reference numerals are used for like elements in describing each drawing. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged from the actual for the sake of clarity of the present invention. The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, the terms "comprises" or "having" and the like are used to specify that there is a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component or a combination thereof described in the specification, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Also, where a portion such as a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is referred to as being "on" another portion, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" another portion, but also the case where there is another portion in between. In the present specification, when a part of a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is formed on another part image on, the forming direction is not limited to an upper part but includes a part formed in a side or a lower direction . On the contrary, where a section such as a layer, a film, an area, a plate, etc. is referred to as being "under" another section, this includes not only the case where the section is "directly underneath"

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch panel, and is a device for sensing a touch event through a user's hand, a stylus, or other separate input means, and displaying or transmitting information corresponding thereto. The touch panel can be used in various devices, and in particular, it can be used in a display device to detect a touch event of a user.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in which a touch panel is used in a display device.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device including a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I 'of FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1 when folded.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the display device may be provided in various shapes, for example, in the form of a rectangular plate having two pairs of sides parallel to each other. When the display device is provided in the shape of a rectangular plate, any one of the two pairs of sides may be provided longer than the other pair of sides. In one embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of description, the display device has a rectangular shape having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and the extension direction of the long side is defined as a first direction D1, In the second direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the long side and the end face in the third direction D3.

The display device of the present invention can have at least a part of flexibility and can be folded at the flexible part. That is, the display device may include a flexible, foldable foldable area and a rigid area provided on at least one side of the foldable area and having no flexibility. Here, in an embodiment of the present invention, the hard area may not be provided, and the entire display device may correspond to a folderable area. For example, in the case of a display device that is rolled up like a scroll, the entire display device may correspond to a folderable area.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first hard area RA1, the second hard area FA2, and the second hard area RA2 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1 . The foldable area FA extends along the second direction D2.

When the center line at which the display device is folded is referred to as a fold line FL, a plurality of fold lines FL may be provided and provided in the foldable area FA. In the present embodiment, the folding line area FL passes through the center of the foldable area FA and the foldable area FA is line-symmetric with respect to the folding line FL. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the folding line FL may be provided asymmetrically within the foldable area FA. The foldable area FA and the folding line FL on the folderable area FA may be overlapped with the area where the image of the display panel DSP is displayed and when the display device is folded, Can be folded.

As used herein, the term "folded" means that the shape is not fixed, but may be modified from its original shape to another shape, and may be folded or curved along one or more particular lines, Rolled " roll < / RTI > Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the two hard regions are folded so that one side of the two hard regions are parallel to each other and are opposed to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, The faces may be folded at a predetermined angle (e.g., acute angle, right angle, or obtuse angle). This will be described later.

The terms "flexible" or "non-flexible" and "soft" or "hard" in the above-described folderable area FA and hard areas RA1, Is a term that relatively expresses the properties of. That is, the expressions "non-flexible" and "hard" include not only hard but also flexible, but also have flexibility smaller than the focal area FA. Accordingly, the hard areas RA1 and RA2 are provided with a relatively small flexibility or are not flexible relative to the folder area FA, and even if the folder area FA is folded, (RA1, RA2) are not collapsed.

In the display device, the folding line (FL) is provided in the folderable area (FA) along a second direction which is an extending direction of the folderable area (FA), whereby the display device (FA).

In an embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of description, the first and second hard areas RA1 and RA2 have a similar area, and the folder area FA is located between the two hard areas However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second rigid regions RA1 and RA2 may have different areas. Also, the hard regions need not be provided in two, but may be provided in one or more than three. In this case, a plurality of hard regions may be provided apart from each other via the folder flared area FA.

The display device may include a display panel (DSP) and a touch panel (TSP).

The display panel DSP displays arbitrary time information, for example, text, video, photographs, two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, and the like. Hereinafter, the arbitrary time information is displayed as "video ". The type of the display panel (DSP) is not particularly limited as it displays an image. The display panel (DSP) may include, for example, an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and the like.

The touch panel TSP may be provided on a front surface of the display panel DSP, that is, on a surface on which an image is displayed, and may be provided integrally with the display panel DSP in the display panel DSP It is possible. In an embodiment of the present invention, the case where the touch panel (TSP) is provided on the upper surface of the display panel (DSP) will be described as an example.

Each of the display panel DSP and the touch panel TSP in the display device may have a folderable area and a hard area and the folderable area of the display panel DSP corresponds to the folderable area of the touch panel TSP , And the hard area of the display panel DSP corresponds to the hard area of the touch panel TSP.

The display panel DSP includes a display area in which the image is displayed and a non-display area located at least at one side of the display area. For example, the non-display area may be provided so as to surround the display area.

The touch panel TSP includes a sensing area SA for sensing a touch event of a user and a peripheral area PA located at least one side of the sensing area SA. For example, the peripheral area PA may be provided so as to surround the sensing area SA.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the display area (not shown) of the display panel DSP and the sensing area SA may correspond to each other and overlap each other when viewed on a plane. The non-display area (not shown) of the display panel DSP and the peripheral area PA may correspond to each other and may overlap with each other when viewed on a plane.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a touch panel (TSP) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a plan view of an enlarged portion P1 of FIG. Fig. 5A is an enlarged plan view of the portion P2 shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV 'of FIG. 5A.

Referring to FIG. 3, the touch panel TSP includes a touch sensing part provided in the sensing area SA and a wiring part provided in the peripheral area PA.

The touch sensing unit recognizes a touch event to the display device through the user's hand or another input means of the display device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensing unit is provided in a capacitive manner.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the touch sensing unit includes a plurality of first sensing lines LN1 extending in a first direction D1 to which a sensing voltage is applied, For example, a plurality of second sensing lines LN2 extending in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first sensing lines LN1 are electrostatically coupled to the second sensing lines LN2, and the voltage is changed by the electrostatic coupling.

Each of the first sensing lines LN1 includes a plurality of first blocks BL1 arranged in the first direction D1 and a plurality of first bridges BR1 connecting adjacent first blocks BL1, . The first blocks BL1 may be provided in various shapes, for example, a polygon including a square shape such as a rod shape or rhombus. Each of the second sensing lines LN2 includes a plurality of second blocks BL2 arranged in the second direction D2 and a plurality of second bridges BR2 connecting adjacent second blocks BL2, . The second blocks BL2 may also be provided in various shapes, for example, a polygon including a square shape such as a bar, a diamond, and the like. The first blocks BL1 and the second blocks BL2 are alternately arranged in a matrix form on the first base substrate BS1.

The first blocks BL1 and the first bridges BR1 constituting each of the first sensing lines LN1 may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the second blocks BL2 and the second bridges BR2 constituting the second sensing lines LN2 may be formed as a single unit. In the second embodiment of the present invention, each of the first sensing lines LN1 is formed as an integral unit. In this case, in each second sensing line LN2, the second bridges BR2 are formed in a layer different from the second blocks BL2. The first blocks BL1, the first bridges BR1 and the second blocks BL2 are provided on the first base substrate BS1 and the first blocks BL1, A first insulating layer INS1 is provided on the first bridges BR1 and the second blocks BL2. The first insulating layer INS1 may include silicon nitride or silicon oxide. The first insulating layer INS1 includes first contact holes CH1 exposing a part of the second blocks BL2 and the second bridges BR2 are formed in the first contact holes CH1, The second blocks BL2 adjacent to each other are connected to each other.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, and the second block BL2 are provided on the base substrate BS.

The base substrate BS has a substantially rectangular shape and is made of a transparent insulating material.

The first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, and the second block BL2 are made of a transparent conductive material. Examples of the transparent conductive material include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (Tin Oxide), a carbon nanotube (Carbon Nano Tube), and graphene. In addition, the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, and the second block BL2 may be formed of a single film or a multilayer film. In this case, two or more of the materials may be stacked And may include multiple membranes.

An insulating film IL is provided on the base substrate BS on which the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1 and the second block BL2 are formed.

The insulating film IL may be an organic insulating film or an inorganic insulating film. As the material of the organic insulating film, an organic insulating material such as a polyacrylic compound, a polyimide compound, a fluorocarbon compound such as Teflon, a benzocyclobutene compound, or the like can be used. As the material of the inorganic insulating film, polysiloxane, silicon nitride, An inorganic insulating material such as an oxide may be used.

The insulating layer IL is provided with contact holes CH exposing a part of the second block BL2.

The second bridge BR2 is provided on the insulating layer IL. The second bridge BR2 contacts the second blocks BL2 through the contact holes CH and electrically connects the adjacent second blocks BL2.

The second bridge BR2 may be made of metal. For example, the second bridge BR2 may include at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium ), Copper (Cu), or an alloy of these metals. Also, the second bridge BR2 may be formed of a single film, but is not limited thereto. The second bridge BR2 may be formed of multiple films in which two or more of the metals and the alloys are stacked.

3, 5A, and 5B, the wiring portion is provided in the peripheral area PA and is connected to the touch sensing unit.

The wiring unit connects the touch sensing unit to a driving circuit (not shown) for driving the touch panel TSP. The driving circuit may be provided externally and may include a position detection circuit. The wiring portion may transmit a sensing input signal from the driving circuit to the first sensing lines LN1 and the second sensing lines LN2 or may be connected to the first sensing lines LN1 and the second sensing lines LN2, (LN2) to the driving circuit.

The wiring portion may include a plurality of first connection lines CL1, a plurality of second connection lines CL2, and a pad portion PD.

One end of the first connection lines CL1 is connected to the first sensing lines LN1 and the other end is connected to the pad portion PD. The first connection lines CL1 may be bent a plurality of times in the peripheral area PA when viewed in plan.

The second connection lines CL2 include a first wiring W1 and a second wiring W2. One end of the second connection lines CL2 is connected to the second sensing lines LN2. The other end of the second connection lines CL2 is connected to the pad PD. Lt; / RTI > The second connection lines CL2 may be bent a plurality of times in the peripheral area PA when viewed in plan.

The pad portion PD is for connecting the first connection lines CL1 and the second connection lines CL2 to the driving circuit and may be provided on one side of the peripheral area PA . The first connection lines CL1 and the second connection lines CL2 are connected to the driving circuit using a connector or a non-conductive adhesive film provided on the pad portion PD.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the second connection line CL2 of the foldable region of the wiring portion of the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

A first wiring (W1) is provided on the base substrate (BS).

The first wiring W1 includes a lower wiring LW and an upper wiring UW which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate BS.

The lower wiring line LW may be made of a transparent conductive material and may be made of the same material as the first block BL, the first bridge BR1, and the second block BL2 (FIGS. 4A and 4B The transparent conductive material may be silver nano wire (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) And at least one of SnO2 (Tin Oxide), Carbon Nano Tube, and graphene. The lower wiring may be composed of a single film or a multi-film, and in this case, Two or more of the above materials may comprise multiple laminated films.

The upper wiring UW overlaps with the lower wiring LW in a plan view. The upper wiring UW may be completely overlapped with the lower wiring LW in a planar view in the hard region. The upper wiring UW may partially overlap with the lower wiring LW when viewed in a plan view with respect to the lower wiring line LW. At this time, a part of the upper wiring UW may be removed.

The upper wiring UW may be made of metal. For example, the upper wiring UW may be formed of a metal such as Au, Ag, Al, Mo, Cr, Ti, Ni, , Copper (Cu), or an alloy of these metals. Also, the second bridge may be formed of a single film, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of multiple films in which two or more of the metals and the alloys are stacked.

The insulating layer IL is provided on the base substrate BS on which the first wiring W1 is formed.

The insulating layer IL is provided with contact holes CH for exposing a part of the first wiring W1.

The second wiring W1 is provided on the insulating film IL. The second wiring W2 contacts and electrically connects the first wiring W1 through the contact holes CH. The second wiring W2 may be disposed corresponding to a portion where the upper wiring UW of the first wiring W1 is removed.

The second wiring W2 may be formed of a metal. For example, the second wiring W2 may be formed of a metal such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium ), Copper (Cu), or an alloy of these metals. The second wiring W2 may be formed of a single film, but is not limited thereto. The second wiring W2 may be formed of multiple films in which two or more of the metals and the alloys are stacked.

The second wirings W2 may be provided with the same metal as the upper wirings UW of the first wirings W1 but may be provided with different metals. For example, when the upper wiring UW of the first wiring W1 is made of copper, the second wiring W2 may be made of copper, or the upper wiring UW of the first wiring W1 may be made of copper, The second wiring W2 may be made of a metal other than copper, for example, aluminum.

In the touch panel having the above structure, a sensing input signal from the driving circuit is transmitted through the wiring portion, so that the touch sensing portion is charged with electric charge. If the touch panel is touched by the user, the capacitances of the first sensing lines LN1 and the second sensing lines LN2 are changed, and a sensing signal corresponding to the capacitance is output, The sensing signal is transmitted through the wiring portion, and the sensing signal is analyzed by the driving circuit to grasp the contact position.

As described above, the second connection line CL2 may have a different structure in the hard area and the folder area. That is, the second connection line CL2 extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (the first direction or the second direction) along the upper surface of the base substrate in the hard region. However, a portion of the second connection line CL2 has a bent portion at the predetermined angle (the angle is not 0 or 180 degrees) with the upper surface of the base substrate BS in the foldable region. Specifically, a part of the second connection line CL2 has a bent portion at least once in a vertical direction (i.e., a third direction) in the folderable area. Particularly, the upper wiring UW and the second wiring W2 of the second connection line CL2 may be made of metal, and the metal part may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base substrate BS And is provided in a bent shape a plurality of times.

The second connection line CL2 is bent at least once in a direction that is not parallel to the upper surface of the base substrate in the foldable area as described above so that the stress concentrated on the folded portion is dispersed when the touch panel is folded .

6A and 6B are cross-sectional views schematically showing a wiring portion of a foldable region when the touch panel is folded according to the above-described embodiment.

6A and 6B, when the touch panel is folded concavely or convex upward in the direction of the base substrate BS, the stress applied to the second connection wiring is dispersed in the direction of the arrow. Accordingly, when the touch panel is folded, disconnection of wiring caused by stress concentrated on the second connection wiring is minimized or prevented, thereby increasing durability.

7A, 7B, and 7C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG. 5B.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a first wiring W1 is formed in a peripheral region of a base substrate BS. The first wiring W1 can be formed by sequentially laminating the material of the lower wiring line LW and the material of the upper wiring line UW to form a conductive layer of two layers and patterning the two conductive layers. At this time, in the peripheral region, a part of the first wiring W1 may be partially removed so that the upper layer is removed and only the lower layer remains. The first wiring W1 may be patterned by various methods, for example, by photolithography using a mask.

Although not shown, the first block, the first bridge, and the second block provided in the sensing region may be formed in a single step with the lower wiring LW.

Referring to FIG. 7B, an insulating layer IL is formed on the base substrate BS on which the first wiring W1 is formed. The insulating layer IL may be formed by forming an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material on the base substrate BS, and then patterning using photolithography or the like. Contact holes CH exposing a part of the first wiring W1 (in particular, a part of the upper wiring UW) are formed at the time of patterning.

Although not shown, the contact holes partially exposed on the upper surface of the second block provided in the sensing region may be formed in a single step with the contact holes CH exposing a part of the first wiring W1.

Referring to FIG. 7C, a second wiring W2 is formed on the base substrate BS on which the insulating film is formed. The second wirings W2 are provided in regions where the upper wirings UW are not provided and become bridges connecting the upper wirings UW adjacent to each other. The second wiring W2 may be formed by laminating the second wiring W2 material to form a conductive layer, and patterning the conductive layer. The second wiring W2 may be patterned by various methods, for example, by photolithography using a mask.

Although not shown, the second bridge provided in the sensing region may be formed in a single step with the second wiring W2.

As described above, the wiring portion can be formed in a minimized state without adding or adding a mask by using the step of forming the touch sensing portion.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a wiring portion according to another embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to Fig. 5B. 9A, 9B, and 9C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, different embodiments of the present invention will be described below in order to avoid redundant description. The parts not specifically described in this embodiment are in accordance with the above-described embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements and similar numbers represent like elements.

Referring to Figs. 8, 9A, 9B and 9C, a first wiring W1 is provided on a base substrate BS. The first wiring W1 includes a lower wiring LW and an upper wiring UW which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate BS. The upper wiring UW is formed so as to completely overlap the lower wiring LW when viewed in a plan view. That is, the upper wiring UW can be completely overlapped with the lower wiring LW in the planar view in both the hard region and the foldable region.

The insulating layer IL is provided on the base substrate BS on which the first wiring W1 is formed. The insulating layer IL is provided with contact holes CH for exposing a part of the first wiring W1.

The second wiring W2 is provided on the insulating film IL. The second wiring W2 may completely overlap the first wiring W1 when viewed in a plan view. The second wiring W2 contacts the first wiring W1 through the contact holes CH and electrically connects the adjacent first wirings W1.

Here, the second wirings W2 may be provided with the same metal as the upper wirings UW of the first wirings W1, but they may be provided with different metals. For example, when the upper wiring UW of the first wiring W1 is made of copper, the second wiring W2 may be made of copper, or the upper wiring UW of the first wiring W1 may be made of copper, The second wiring W2 may be made of a metal other than copper, for example, aluminum.

Even when the touch panel is folded concavely or convexly upward in the direction of the base board BS, the stress applied to the entire first connection wiring line can be reduced in the direction of arrows . Also, even if a part of the first wiring W1 and the second wiring W2 are disconnected in the above-described foldable area, the signal transmission path can be secured by the remaining part, so that the signal can be transmitted stably. As a result, the durability of the touch panel increases.

10 is a cross-sectional view showing a wiring portion according to another embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to Fig. 5B. 11A, 11B, and 11C are sectional views sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the wiring portion shown in FIG.

10, 11A, 11B, and 11C, a lower wiring LW is provided on a base substrate BS. The lower wiring line LW may be made of a transparent conductive material.

An insulating film IL is provided on the base substrate BS on which the lower wiring line LW is formed. The insulating film IL has irregularities on its upper surface. The unevenness may extend in a direction parallel to the fold line FL when the touch panel is folded. For example, protrusions protruding upward in the upper surface of the insulating layer IL may extend in a direction parallel to the fold line FL.

The irregularities on the insulating film IL may be formed by various methods, for example, photolithography using a halftone mask.

An upper wiring UW is formed on the insulating film. The upper wiring UW may be made of metal, and the upper wiring UW may be formed so as to completely overlap the lower wiring LW when viewed in a plan view. That is, the upper wiring UW can be completely overlapped with the lower wiring LW in the planar view in both the hard region and the foldable region.

Since the upper wiring UW among the first wirings W1 is bent a plurality of times so as to have a predetermined angle on the upper surface of the base substrate BS, the structure described above can be applied to the wiring even when the touch panel is folded Disconnection is minimized or prevented by dispersing the stress. As a result, the durability of the touch panel increases.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the structure for dispersing the stress applied to each wiring is not limited to the wiring portion but can also be applied to the touch sensing portion.

12A is a plan view illustrating a touch sensing unit corresponding to the portion P1 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II 'and III-III' of FIG. 12A, Sectional view.

12A and 12B, a first insulating film IL1 is provided on a base substrate BS.

The first insulating layer IL1 may have irregularities on the upper surface thereof in the foldable region. The first insulating layer IL1 may not be provided or may not have irregularities on the upper surface of the first insulating layer IL1 even if the first insulating layer IL1 is provided.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the irregularities of the first insulating film IL1 in the region corresponding to P1, in which the portions corresponding to the projections are shown with shading, the portions corresponding to the depressed portions are shown without shading, The elements have been omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13, the unevenness may extend in a direction parallel to the fold line FL when the touch panel is folded. For example, protrusions protruding upward in the upper surface of the first insulating layer IL1 may extend in a direction parallel to the fold line FL. The irregularities on the first insulating film IL1 may be formed by various methods, for example, by photolithography using a halftone mask.

The first insulating film IL1 may be an organic insulating film or an inorganic insulating film. As the material of the organic insulating film, an organic insulating material such as a polyacrylic compound, a polyimide compound, a fluorocarbon compound such as Teflon, a benzocyclobutene compound, or the like can be used. As the material of the inorganic insulating film, polysiloxane, silicon nitride, An inorganic insulating material such as an oxide may be used.

12A and 12B, the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, and the second block BL2 are provided on the first insulating layer IL1.

The first block BL1, the first bridge BR1 and the second block BL2 may be made of metal. In this case, the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, The second block BL2 may have a mesh pattern. For example, the second bridge may be formed of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), or the like. The material of the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, At least one of metals such as aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and copper (Cu)

A second insulating layer IL2 is provided on the base substrate BS on which the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1 and the second block BL2 are formed.

The second insulating film IL2 may be an organic insulating film or an inorganic insulating film. As the material of the organic insulating film, an organic insulating material such as a polyacrylic compound, a polyimide compound, a fluorocarbon compound such as Teflon, a benzocyclobutene compound, or the like can be used. As the material of the inorganic insulating film, polysiloxane, silicon nitride, An inorganic insulating material such as an oxide may be used.

The second insulating layer IL2 is provided with contact holes CH exposing a part of the second block BL2.

The second bridge BR2 is provided on the second insulating layer IL2. The second bridge BR2 contacts the second blocks BL2 through the contact holes CH and electrically connects the adjacent second blocks BL2.

The second bridge BR2 may be made of metal. For example, the second bridge BR2 may include at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium ), Copper (Cu), or an alloy of these metals. Also, the second bridge BR2 may be formed of a single film, but is not limited thereto. The second bridge BR2 may be formed of multiple films in which two or more of the metals and the alloys are stacked.

The first sensing line LN1 and the second sensing line LN2 are connected to the base substrate BS though the first sensing line LN1 and the second sensing line LN2 are provided as a metal, So that stress applied is dispersed to prevent disconnection. As a result, the durability of the touch panel is increased.

Here, the concavo-convex shape of the first insulating film IL1 can be changed into various shapes. 14 is a plan view showing protrusions of the first insulating film IL1 in a region corresponding to P1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 Also, the portions corresponding to the protrusions are shown by hatching, the portions corresponding to the depressed portions are shown without hatching, and the remaining components are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14, two fold lines may be provided. That is, when one of the fold lines is referred to as a first fold line FL1 and the other is referred to as a second fold line FL2, the unevenness is parallel to one of the first and second fold lines FL1 and FL2 And can extend in one direction. In addition, a protrusion or a depression may be provided along the remaining one of the fold lines. In addition, the projections and depressions can be arranged in various combinations along the plurality of fold lines.

Accordingly, even when a plurality of fold lines are provided on the touch panel, disconnection of the wiring can be minimized, resulting in increased durability of the touch panel.

FIG. 15A is a plan view of the touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which P2 portion shown in FIG. 3 is enlarged, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV 'in FIG.

15A and 15B, in the touch panel according to the present embodiment, the second connection wiring CL2 of the wiring part may include the first wiring W1 and the second wiring W2 in the turnable area have. In the wiring portion, the first insulating film IL1 may not be provided in the foldable region. A first wiring W1 is provided on the base substrate BS and the first wiring W1 is connected to the first block BL1, the first bridge BR1, May be formed of the same metal as the second block BL2 and may be formed using the same step. A part of the first wiring W1 may be removed in a region corresponding to the foldable region. The second insulating layer IL2 is provided on the region where the first wiring is removed, and the second insulating layer IL2 has irregularities extending in a direction parallel to the fold line similarly to the touch sensing portion. The second interconnection W2 may be provided on the second insulating layer IL2 and the second interconnection W2 may be curved according to the irregularities of the second insulating layer IL2. The curvature of the second wiring W2 may be variously changed by forming the second insulating layer IL2 with different shapes. The second wirings W2 are provided corresponding to the region where the first wirings W1 are removed, and both ends of the second wirings W2 overlap with the first wirings W1 when viewed in plan.

Accordingly, the second wiring W2 is bent so as to form a predetermined angle with the upper surface of the base substrate BS, so that the applied stress is dispersed to prevent disconnection. As a result, the durability of the touch panel is increased.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

CL1: first connection wiring CL2: second connection wiring
DSP: Display panel FA: Foldable area
FL: Folding line TSP: Touch panel
LN1: first sensing line LN2: second sensing line
LW: Lower wiring UW: Upper wiring
W1: first wiring W2: second wiring

Claims (20)

A base substrate having flexibility and including a foldable area foldable along a fold line;
A touch sensing unit provided on the base substrate and sensing a touch event of a user; And
And a connection unit provided on the base substrate and connecting the touch sensing unit to a driving circuit,
Wherein the connection portion includes a wiring that is bent at least once in a direction that is not parallel to the upper surface of the base substrate in the foldable region. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an insulating film provided on the base substrate,
The connecting portion
A first wiring provided between the base substrate and the insulating film; And
And a second wiring provided on the insulating film,
Wherein the insulating film has contact holes exposing a part of the first wiring, and the second wiring is connected through the first wiring and the contact holes. 3. The method of claim 2,
The touch sensing unit
A plurality of first sensing lines extending in a first direction and to which a sensing voltage is applied; And
And a plurality of second sensing lines electrostatically coupled to the plurality of first sensing lines and extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the voltages being changed by the electrostatic coupling. The method of claim 3,
Each of the first sensing lines includes a plurality of first blocks arranged in the first direction and a plurality of first bridges connecting the first blocks adjacent to each other,
Each of the second sensing lines includes a plurality of second blocks arranged in the second direction and a plurality of second bridges connecting the second blocks adjacent to each other. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first wiring includes a lower wiring and an upper wiring sequentially provided on the base substrate, the lower wiring includes a transparent conductive material, and the upper wiring includes a metal. 6. The method of claim 5,
The lower wiring may include at least one of silver nanowires, indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) A carbon nanotube, a carbon nanotube, and a graphene, or a laminate of two or more of them,
The upper wiring may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Al, Mo, Cr, Ti, Ni, neodymium, At least one of these alloys, or a laminate of two or more thereof. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the upper wiring corresponds to a region where the second wiring is provided, and a part thereof is removed. 6. The method of claim 5,
And the second wiring overlaps with the first wiring. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the first block, the first bridge, the second block, and the lower wiring are made of the same material. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the first block, the first bridge, the second block, and the lower wiring are made of a transparent conductive material. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the upper electrode, the second bridge, and the second wiring are made of metal. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the upper electrode comprises a metal different from the second bridge and the second wiring. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the first wiring, the first block, the second block, and the first bridge are made of metal. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the first block and the second block have metal mesh patterns. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the insulating film has protrusions protruding in a direction parallel to the fold line on the upper surface of the insulating film. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the insulating film on the top surface of the insulating layer has depressions recessed in a direction parallel to the fold lines. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the plurality of folding lines are provided, and the extending directions of the folding lines are different from each other. Display panel; And
And a touch panel provided on a front surface of the display panel,
The touch panel includes:
A base substrate having flexibility and including a foldable area foldable along a fold line;
A touch sensing unit provided on the base substrate and sensing a touch event of a user; And
And a connection unit provided on the base substrate and connecting the touch sensing unit to a driving circuit,
Wherein the connection portion includes a wiring that is bent at least once in a direction that is not parallel to an upper surface of the base substrate in the foldable region. 19. The method of claim 18,
Further comprising an insulating film provided on the base substrate,
The connecting portion
A first wiring provided between the base substrate and the insulating film; And
And a second wiring provided on the insulating film,
Wherein the insulating film has contact holes exposing a part of the first wiring, and the second wiring is connected through the first wiring and the contact holes. 20. The method of claim 19,
The touch sensing unit
A plurality of first sensing lines extending in a first direction and to which a sensing voltage is applied; And
And a plurality of second sensing lines which are electrostatically coupled to the plurality of first sensing lines and extend in a second direction different from the first direction and whose voltages are changed by the electrostatic coupling.

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